PUTRAJAYA: After months of indecision, Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria will take over the helm of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) at its annual general meeting on Apr 29.
Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin announced on Thursday, in consultation with BAM patron Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, that BAM deputy president Norza reached an agreement with acting president Tan Sri Mohamed Al Amin Abd Majid to take over the association's top post.
Both Norza and Al Amin had harboured hopes to become the president but the BAM council on Apr 8 sought a compromise from the two men to resolve the matter among themselves.
"With agreement from BAM patron Datin Seri Rosmah, Tan Sri Al Amin will give way to Datuk Seri Norza at the BAM congress on Apr 29 to become the new president without contesting," Khairy told a press conference at the Seri Perdana Complex in Putrajaya.
"This follows the mandate given by the BAM council for Al Amin and Norza to decide who among them will become president. As a result of the meeting, I have met them both and in the spirit of togetherness and with much maturity a solution was reached. They also informed Datin Seri Rosmah of their decision.
"On the patron's advise, we will suggest to the council to support a proposal to be presented at the congress to appoint Tan Sri Al Amin as an advisor to BAM, which we hope he will accept. We appreciate Tan Sri's contribution to badminton and we believe he still has more to give to the sport."
Rosmah, an avid badminton fan, said she hopes the sport will thrive under Norza's leadership.
"I hope the performance will continue to improve and from now on the new president will be responsible for the performance and consistency of the players in various tournaments," said Rosmah.
"With this solution, everyone on the council must cooperate to ensure Malaysian badminton moves forward."
The outcome means a battle for the president's post for the first time since 1985 has been averted. Norza's new term will last until 2020.